Chapter Text
Castiel closes his apartment door and leans against it for support, tipping his head back weakly and shutting his eyes. Finally it’s Friday and he could rest; sleep to his heart’s content tomorrow morning (maybe even until 8am!) and do nothing but sit around in his boxers and eat cereal all weekend. Who is going to stop him? No one.
When he’s finally able to kick off his shoes, he lets out a loud groan of blessed relief, wiggling his toes as he nudges his loafers into their proper place on the doormat. The happy little cartoon bumblebee smiles up at him and he smiles back at it.
A gentle meow catches his attention and he looks down to spot his cat, Purrsephone, strolling into the living room to meet him. Smiling at his furry companion (and, if he is honest, his only companion) he bends at the waist to give her a little scratch behind the ear before standing and stretching out his back, wincing as his spine cracks. A week of sitting hunched over a keyboard isn’t doing any favors to his aging spine.
Purrsephone follows him as he shucks off his old, slightly ratty trenchcoat on the way to the kitchen, leaving it hanging on its hook.
“I know, dinner time.”
The kitchen is just as empty as he left it, everything put away in its proper spot and not a crumb out of place. His brother would call him anal-retentive, but Castiel prefers to think of himself as neat and organized. Why leave a mess and make things harder on yourself by having to track things down when you can just put the darn salt shaker back where it belongs?
He grabs a can of food for Purrsephone, squinting at the label and adjusting his glasses.
“Looks like tonight is turkey and giblet pate,” he says and Purrsephone answers with a loud meow, batting a paw out impatiently at her little yellow food bowl, “only the best for my favorite goddess.”
He can’t help but smile fondly at her as he scoops out the gooey paste-like food. Despite the unappealing texture, it was one of the best cat foods money could buy (and certainly better than his own discount cereals).
She doesn’t return any of his affections, being too busy practically inhaling her food, so he grabs himself a bowl and the milk from the fridge before browsing his selection of cereals. His finger traces over the boxes as he hums to himself, debating on which he could snag for dinner. Raisin Bran, Shredded Wheat, Cheerios… ah-ha! “Let’s splurge a little tonight, hmm?” he chuckles and pulls out the Honey Bunches of Oats.
Dinner secured, he shuffles over to the living room in his socks and sinks down into the old couch, then shifts around to get comfortable. He’s just in time for Doctor Sexy’s season finale, and he’s beyond excited to see if he gets together with Dr Picollo’s evil twin or if he realizes the difference before her daughter gets out of the coma and relieves her mother’s dastardly plot. Castiel is fully prepared for a perfect night of quiet and solitude. However, just as he is half way into the episode, his phone rings.
Well, it’s Friday night, so he ignores it. It was probably just his boss, Zachariah Adler anyway, and he’s got better things to do tonight than explain where he left his own folders and notes. But the thing just keeps ringing no matter how many times he lets it go to voicemail.
With a heavy sigh, he sets aside his half eaten bowl of cereal and flips open his phone, groaning when he sees the caller ID. He’d almost rather it was Adler calling. There’s no choice but to answer it unless he wants to be bombarded with phone calls all night that escalate to an uninvited brother banging on his door at 9 p.m. as he’s getting ready for bed.
With a heavy sigh, he clicks the answer button. “Hello, Gabriel.”
“Hey Cassie! How’s my favorite little bro?”
Castiel scowls to himself, snatching the remote off the arm of his couch and muting his show. “I’m your only little brother. And I’m fine. You do know it’s the season finale of--”
“Doctor Sexy, yeah, yeah I know. But listen Cassie, I have good news!” Gabriel sounds way too excited for Castiel’s taste and it makes him suspicious. Incredibly so. The last time his older brother was this worked up, Gabriel ended up spending the night in a Canadian jail and Castiel driving all night to go bail him out. To this day it’s been his only trip to Canada.
“And what is that, Gabriel?”
“So, you know how I’ve been telling you that you need a vacation?”
“Yes, and I quite vividly recall telling you that no, I do not,” Castiel grinds his teeth, leaning his head back against the couch and mouthing ‘why me?’ to Purrsephone.
“No way bro. You haven’t gone on a vacation in over ten years!”
Has it been ten years? He pauses, racking his brain for the last time he went anywhere for fun that wasn’t his living room or kitchen. Oh!
“It hasn’t been that long… I went on that trip to Chicago just last year.”
On the other end of the phone Gabriel snorts, “Cas, that was to an Accountant’s Seminar. That is not a vacation.”
“It is to me.”
“Well, it’s not,” Gabriel continues and Castiel pinches the bridge of his nose when he hears Gabriel unwrapping candy right next to his phone’s mic, “but I found you the perfect place to go!”
“I’m not going to Vegas,” he reaches over and grabs his bowl, crossing his feet at the ankle and shoveling a large spoonful of cereal into his mouth, chewing as loudly and as obnoxiously as he can. Maybe Gabriel will take the hint with his darned sucker. He does not, and the slurping grates on Castiel’s ears.
“It’s not Vegas! Not that you couldn’t use some debauchery, Cassie. But this is like, the exact opposite of Vegas.”
“Mhmm,” he hums non-commitally around his spoon before he sighs in defeat, knowing Gabriel is just not going to drop this anytime soon. “Alright, what is this mystery vacation?”
“Cowboy camp!”
“...Cowboy… Camp.”
“Yeah!” He can hear Gabriel typing away, so he puts his phone on speaker so he can sit at his desk and boot up his PC to check the email his brother sends him. “There’s this ranch a few hours from here where you can play cowboy for the week. You like cowboys!”
“Gabriel. I went as a cowboy for Halloween once. When I was ten,” he corrects even as he opens the email and clicks the link to Winchester Ranching Experience’s website.
“You liked Tombstone!” True. Castiel couldn’t argue with that. “Looks pretty good though, right? Stay on a historical old ranch, lasso some cows, ogle some hot cowboys in tight jeans.”
Well, he did enjoy handsome men in tight pants almost as much as he enjoyed historical architecture. He frowns as he opens the gallery, browsing through pictures of people in dusty buttonups smiling next to horses. “I don’t know, Gabriel. I’d have to take off work and tax season is just finishing up…”
“Exactly! Tax season is over so you shouldn’t be as busy!”
Castiel clicks his tongue. Gabriel does have a point and--
Only half paying attention he clicks on the About tab and his mindless scrolling stops abruptly, his eyes locking onto the most beautiful man he’s ever seen. The man, Dean according to the page, stands next to a massive and absolutely gorgeous black horse with one hand in his pocket and the other resting on the horse’s flank. There’s a casual confidence the other pictures lacked; he can just tell this man knows what he’s doing, that he’s comfortable with this handsome beast. His eyes trail up and down Dean’s form taking in the worn flannel and the snug jeans accenting his lovely bowed legs and—
“Cassie! Earth to Cassie!”
He blinks, the spell broken and clears his throat. “I’m sorry, I was distracted, what were you saying?”
“Distracted, huh? Looking at hot cowboys?” Gabriel teases and Castiel doesn’t deign to answer which just encourages Gabriel’s laughter. “I was saying that it didn’t matter if you wanted to go or not!”
Slowly, suspiciously, dread bubbling up in his stomach he narrows his eyes, “...and why is that, Gabriel?”
“Because I already booked and paid for you, baby bro!”
“What?!”
“Yeah, you’re welcome! Happy early birthday, Cassie!”
He takes a calming breath. “My birthday isn’t until September, Gabriel.”
“I know! That’s why it’s an early birthday present.”
God darn it, he thinks tiredly. “Can’t you cancel it?”
“Nope! No cancellations and refunds are only available in event of inclement weather!” Gabriel practically sings and sounds entirely too smug.
“So then you go in my place.”
“No can do, bro. Kali and I are going on our own vacay to Paris!”
Of course they are.
“Come on Cassie,” Gabriel’s tone gets less amused and gently persuasive. “You really do need a vacation. I’ve been worried about you. It’s been ages and you’ve been locking yourself up like a hermit. I can’t make you get some friends--”
“I have friends--”
“Your cat doesn’t count. Come on Cassie, it’ll be a great experience! You’ll go back to corporate slavery all rested and rejuvenated to take on the next quarter.”
With a sigh, Castiel slumps on his couch, a migraine slowly forming. “You aren’t going to stop until I say yes, are you?”
“Nope!”
“Fine. But you’re going to have to find someone to watch Purrsephone. And no kennels! She needs more attention than those places give.” Hearing her name, Purrsephone hops up onto the couch, arching into Castiel’s hand as he reaches over and pets her.
“Of course! I know a guy who owes me a favor. Great with critters.”
“If anything happens to her I’m going to hold you personally responsible,” he warns, letting his voice drop, intent on conveying just how ‘boned’ Gabriel would be if anything untoward was to happen to his precious kitty.
“I know Cas. She’ll be in good hands.”
“Alright, when is this trip? I still have to put in for vacation.”
“I have it scheduled for the first week of June. That’ll give you two months to get your notice in.”
Two months should be more than enough notice to get this unwanted vacation approved, damn it. Gabriel thought of everything. “Alright. Fine.”
“Excellent! I’ll send you the info, baby bro.”
“Thank you, I suppose.”
Gabriel doesn’t sound the least bit guilty despite Castiel’s grumpy demeanor. “You’re welcome! Gotta head out now, Kali and I got a reservation at that fancy pants French place. She’s obsessed with those snails.”
“Escargot.”
“Yeah, that! Bye bye Cassie, love you!”
“I love you too, Gabriel,” Castiel admits begrudgingly, ending the call and turning his attention back to the website.
It actually doesn’t look… too terrible.
Winchester Ranch, a historical site accredited by the Historical Society of Ranching, was built by John and Mary Winchester in 1835 just two hours west of Lebanon. Since then it has been passed down the family for generations and is currently owned by their direct descendant, Dean Winchester. Here our campers may enjoy rustic authenticity combined with modern necessities like indoor plumbing.
During your stay experience what life was like in the 1800s. Tend to and learn to ride one of the ranch’s many horses, eat hearty like a real cowboy, and sleep under the stars during the three day trek driving the cattle up the river.
No experience necessary. This is available to aspiring cowboys of all ages and experience levels! Come as a group or book a one-on-one week of excitement with owner Dean Winchester for the most hands-on and indepth experience!
Each vacation package is all inclusive and features a twin bunk (upgradeable), towels, robes and slippers, three meals a day (please indicate any dietary restrictions when booking), self-serve laundry including detergent, snacks, and all the beer you can drink! Adult cowboys and girls may also indulge in our own homemade brew.
*Note: There is no electricity in the bunk house or main ranch. Phones and other electronics may be charged in the onsite office.
Castiel worries his lip between his teeth, considering the ad. At least it has indoor plumbing; there’s no way Castiel would ever be able to use something like an outhouse. He was too used to creature comforts for something that rustic, the lack of electricity would be bad enough but no hot showers? The rest of it seemed fine, too. He’s never ridden a horse before, but how hard could that be? There’d be a handsome cowboy there to help him.
Which was part of the problem. Dean Winchester was incredibly attractive, and definitely Castiel’s type. Gazing at his picture also makes him realize just how long it’s been since he’s gone on a date or brought a man back home; just looking at the bow-legged rancher brings heat to his cheeks. Maybe Gabriel is right; perhaps he does need to go out more…
But then he’d be forced to actually be outside and talk to people, which he is decidedly not good at. Gabriel inherited all the charisma in the family, leaving Castiel with nothing but brains, a knack for numbers and rusty social skills (rusty being extremely generous). While he was sure he could manage the physical aspects of the adventure, because if kids could do it so could Castiel, he’s more concerned about the inter-personal aspects. Did Gabriel book him in a group? Would he be expected to actually engage with families and their crying, tantrum-throwing children? And would that be better or worse than a one-on-one adventure with Dean?
If he is alone with the unfairly attractive man, there is no limit on how much Castiel could horribly embarrass himself.
Still…
He looks around his tiny apartment, eyes lingering on his pile of unfinished books and crocheted afghans. Castiel does lead a pretty boring life and normally that is fine, he even prefers it most of the time. But looking at the pictures of the campers with their big smiles as they ride regal horses, the pictures of rolling streams and meadows full of wildflowers (he can imagine the bumblebees), and the quaint ranch with its huge wraparound porch, he feels a longing he hasn’t felt in ages tug at his heart. There is something there for him, he can feel it. What is waiting he isn’t sure, but the persistent tug doesn’t stop even after he puts his phone down–it’s there consistently in the back of his mind through the weekend and into the next week, calling to him like a siren song.
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Two months later finds Castiel checking his luggage for the fifth time, making sure he has everything he needs before his brother comes and picks him up for the drive. Socks, underwear, shirts, pants, sweaters just in case, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, anti-depressants… there has to be something he’s missing. His eyes dart around his room searching for anything he might have forgotten and finds nothing, so he just sighs and grabs the list of directions for the cat sitter and double checks that, too.
Maybe it’s not too late to change his mind–
The ding from his cellphone indicates that yes, it is indeed too late, because Gabriel is waiting outside so all Castiel can do is grab the cat carrier and walk to his impending doom. He knows he’s being dramatic now; at least he doesn’t have to fly there, but he still has to take a deep fortifying breath as he locks his apartment behind him and descends the steps towards Gabriel’s little car.
“Hey Cassie!” Gabriel grins widely as he hops out, keys jingling as he practically skips to pop the trunk.
“You are much too happy for this early in the morning, Gabriel,” Castiel huffs as he passes his suitcase to his brother who is making grabby hands at him. Castiel then carefully packs Purrsephone into the car.
“What can I say baby bro, I’m just a big ol’ ray of sunshine!”
“You’re something, Gabriel,” he says then looks out the window as they make their way to drop off Purrsephone.
“Don’t look so glum, Cassie! You’re going to have a boatload of fun. Who knows, maybe you’ll rope yourself a cowboy?” Castiel rolls his eyes at his brother’s playfully wiggling brows.
“I highly doubt a cowboy in Kansas is interested in men, Gabriel.” Castiel can hope, of course, that his brother is right, but he doesn’t need to admit it.
“You never know,” Gabriel says with a shrug, one hand on the wheel as he digs a sucker out of the center console, swerving around the road enough that Castiel has to grip his door, “but if he is. Take a chance, yea? Get that stick outta your ass and get something else–”
“Yes, Gabriel, I get it. You needn’t be so vulgar.” He levels his brother with an unimpressed look in response to his shit-eating grin, “I’m sure I’ll be too busy riding horses and being in severe pain to–darn it! I knew I forgot something… go back, I have to get my aspirin!”
It’s Gabriel’s turn to roll his eyes. “No, Cassie, we’re not going back to get your aspirin. We’ll pick some up when we stop for snacks at the gas station.”
Castiel bites his tongue to keep from arguing and stares (pouts) out the window with a huff. “The gas station is so expensive...”
“Cassie, you make like, a hundred thousand dollars a year and live in a cracker box. The only luxury shit you buy is food and toys for your little beastie back there. You can afford five dollars for a bottle of Advil.”
“Advil is Ibuprophen, I take Excederin…” he grumbles more than a little petulantly.
“Whatever, bro. The point is you have more money than God at this point.”
“I don’t have that much money…” Ok, he really did have a lot of money saved up, but that was irrelevant. It was just bad sense to buy something for twice the price at a gas station when you could get it at Walmart or Walgreens so much cheaper. “And I splurge sometimes. I bought that new comforter set at Target last month!”
“You got it on clearance,” Gabriel says and looks at him out of the corner of his eye, a single brow raised pointedly.
“It was a good deal...”
Castiel sighs, tips his head back and closes his eyes, preparing himself for this (mostly) unwanted adventure into the wilds of Kansas.